Forest birding habitat

Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park

Iowa · Midwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park is a productive birding destination in Iowa, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Common Goldeneye among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

8/23/20261210 Avenue M, Hawarden, Iowa2 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

8/19/2026Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

8/19/2026Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

28/19/2026

Mourning Dove

28/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

18/19/2026

Killdeer

18/19/2026

Bald Eagle

18/19/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

18/19/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

28/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/19/2026

Northern Flicker

18/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

38/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

28/19/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

28/19/2026

Blue Jay

78/19/2026

American Crow

18/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

88/19/2026

Barn Swallow

48/19/2026

Cliff Swallow

28/19/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

78/19/2026

Northern House Wren

48/19/2026

Gray Catbird

18/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park for birding?
The best months to visit Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park?
Notable species at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park?
Birding at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park?
Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.